Photo: Simon Annand
Bette and Joan is a lively exploration of the rivalry between two Hollywood legends, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, set against the backdrop of the making of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. Directed by Sue Jenkins, this production offers a humorous and sharp dissection of their frenemy dynamic, blending biting wit with illuminating glimpses into their shared struggles.
The play thrives on the fiery chemistry between the leads – “two queen bees in one hive” battling for the same crown. Neil Gordon’s masterful set design, paired with gorgeous costumes, features opposing dressing rooms without actual mirrors. The actresses’ reflections are thus projected onto one another, cleverly underscoring how deeply intertwined their lives are. The initial exchange of barbs and egotistical jabs provide a highly entertaining and refreshing dive into the legends’ flaws and vices. However the relentless volley of insults gradually grows repetitive and predictable, dulling the play’s spark over time.
The performances, yet, remain magnetic. Emmy award winner and BAFTA-nominated Greta Scacchi imbues Bette Davis with ferocity, portraying her as a relentless hustler—always in control yet seldom cared for. RSC, National Theatre Felicity Dean delivers a nuanced and fabulous Joan Crawford, capturing her Blanche DuBois-like fragility as a glamorous rags-to-riches movie star clinging to fantasy over reality. Despite their differences, Davis and Crawford are united by shared struggles: fragile men, broken marriages, Hollywood’s merciless obsession with youth, and a sense of identity inextricably tied to their careers.
While some jokes may resonate more with those familiar with the stars’ histories, this revival succeeds in its poignant portrayal of the animosity and unexpected kinship between two of the most beloved titans of Hollywood’s Golden Age—women “with balls” who refused to fade quietly into obscurity.
Reviewer: Klervi Gavet
Reviewed: 5th December 2024
North West End UK Rating:
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